Creating a Better World Through Education

Mark strongly believes that education is the best way to break the cycle of generational poverty and an educated electorate will sustain our democracy. This motivated him to establish a planned gift for 10,000 Degrees to make college possible for future generations of low-income students.

10,000 Degrees students graduate from college with 87% less debt than the national average. Not having students or their families incur debt that limits their future potential is important to Mark. Mark immigrated to the U.S. from Iran at age twelve. He wanted to attend college but did not want to financially burden his family. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy where his college costs were paid for. After graduating he served as a Naval Aviator for eight years, then went on to serve as a pilot for American Airlines for thirty years.

Mark made 10,000 Degrees the beneficiary of his IRA along with the proceeds from the sale of his home to establish an expendable scholarship fund directing 10,000 Degrees to award a new cohort of students each year with scholarships, and also provide near peer mentoring and financial aid advising. When asked about what it means to have a scholarship in his name, Mark affirmed “I have no ego about this. It doesn’t matter whether the students knew me; it is enough to know I was a part of making students’ dreams come true.”

Like Mark, your legacy can jump-start a student’s educational journey. Contact Caroline Silverstein at 415.451.4016 or csilverstein@10000degrees.org to learn more.